E-Paper
Sign In
Travel: What to see and visit in Switzerland apart from the Alps
We present to you the five hidden Swiss gems that are worth the detour
- PUBLISHED: Thu 19 Feb 2026, 1:57 PM
With its utterly stunning natural beauty, azure lakes, lush meadows and majestic Alpine peaks, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is also one of the most popular countries to visit and this tiny land-locked country clocks in a whopping 23 million visitors annually.
While it is not uncommon to visit some well-known attractions like Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt and Lausanne while on your Swiss sojourn, the country has several unknown gems that offer a kaleidoscope of experiences spanning history, culture, architecture and heritage. Although small in size, Switzerland packs a punch with its vibrant cities and towns all of which offer unique sights coupled with their breathtaking beauty. Here is a look at five places that are off the conventional tourist track:
Recommended For You
Murten
Also called Morat, Murten is an enchanting town located in the Fribourg region of Switzerland. Perched on the shores of lake Murten, the first mention of this town dates back as early as 515 AD. With well-preserved fortified walls, antiquated arches and a castle, the medieval vibes are hard to miss while in Murten. The old quarter which has been listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites is the perfect place to start your exploration of this alluring place.
The historical fortifications are arguably the key attraction of old town and the best part is the fact that it is entirely walkable. So, one can climb the old walls, soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and even admire the town’s architectural heritage at close quarters. As you traverse through centuries of history, you will notice that the rampart walls were built in several stages and from a variety of materials such as gravel, tuff and sandstone.
As you climb down, you can see the impeccably restored former tower clock of Murten’s City Hall which dates back to 1816. The clock which has a wrought-iron-framed pendulum has been classified as an ancient monument and was restored with the support of the Canton of Fribourg and the Confederation between 1989 and 1991 by Alfred Hurni. While in the old town you can also admire heritage structures like the town hall, Gothic-style buildings, ancient fountains and also relax by the picturesque lake side. Beyond Murten, one can explore the vineyards of Vully which is again a quaint little town replete with oodles of old-world charm.
Saint-Ursanne
Yet another charming medieval town situated on the river Doubs, Saint-Ursanne is located in the canton of Jura in Switzerland. Legend has it that the town was founded by Irish monk Ursicinus and is full of historical charm. There is also a fountain in the town centre with a large statue of Saint Ursicinus. Like with several other towns, Saint-Ursanne is best explored on foot and is replete with heritage buildings including yesteryear churches, medieval houses and even a hermitage dedicated to Ursicinus. Often called the Pearl of Jura, the town today houses a number of art galleries, antique stores and boutique shops.
The streetscapes are intriguing and full of antiquated gates and walls that whisper of a rich history. Take a walk along St. John’s gate that leads you to the bridge on the river Doubs to enjoy some stunning scenery. A guided tour will take you to hidden gems like the 1565 Tithing House which was the collection point and warehouse for items subject to the tithing tax levied by the Church; the tithe was assessed at ten per cent of the value of crops and livestock. The windows and the interior features of the building, which has an outstanding staircase, were updated around 1788.
Neuchatel
Often called the centre of the Swiss watch industry, Neuchatel is located on the western part of the country and is the capital of the Neuchatel canton. While it is home to several hi-tech industries and research centres, Neuchatel is also blessed with lush greenery and an eclectic medieval town centre, which makes it a town of compelling contrasts.
While here explore the old town which is teeming with insightful museums, ornate fountains and historical structures. Some of the key points of interest include the 12th century Neuenburg castle which currently houses the cantonal offices, the collegiate church as well as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption. The latter is also called the red church and it was built in the late 19th century. Weekends are a great time to catch the local farmers’ market and are a delight if you are a fan of fresh produce and local specialities.
Guarda
One of the most unique villages in Switzerland, Guarda is located in Engadine in eastern Switzerland. Perched at an altitude of 1,650 meters, the town is mainly known for its Engadine houses and its intrinsic connection to Schellen-Ursli which makes it a popular place to visit. With a population of just 160, the winding cobbled streets of the town are accessible by a short climb uphill. Most of the houses and buildings in the town have intricate decorative graffiti on their façades which is hard to miss. These well-preserved houses provide visitors insights into the art, architecture, traditions and local culture of the region.
Guarda is also called the Schellen-Ursli village as it is place that inspired the main character in Alois Carigiet’s children’s book first published in 1945. While here make sure you visit the small but engaging museum of Schellen-Ursli which transports visitors back to their childhood days with their endearing displays, period artefacts and vintage furniture.
Olten
Another captivating town located in the Solothurn canton of Switzerland, Olten is located about 75 km from Zurich. With the Aare river running through it, Olten forms for a discerning day trip from Zurich with its appealing old town, half-timbered houses, museums and buildings that boast of Renaissance architecture. Walk along the wooden bridge that was first erected way back in 1295 to reach the centre of the old town. The bridge as it stands today was built in 1803 and since then has been standing tall on the banks of the Aare whose riverside forms the ideal spot for taking walks, picnics and rejuvenation.
If museum hopping is on your list visit the Haus Der Museen which houses the natural history museum, the Olten Historical Museum and the archaeological museum of the canton of Solothurn. Together, they have captivating displays that throw light on the history, archaeological findings, flora, fauna and development of Olten and the canton in general. Apart from admiring bespoke stores and gourmet cafés, one can also embark on a writer’s trail in the town and also visit the Aare Gorge which is a stunning natural wonder replete with rock formations coupled with a pathway where visitors can visit the gorge.